SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan International Raceway (SIR), located13 km south of the city on Highway 11, has lined up major, high-energy events to celebrate 60 years of operation in 2026.
SIR, known initially as Southwinds Dragway, has been a cornerstone of motorsports in the province and has operated continuously since opening in 1966. Its anniversary season is branded “60 Years of Speed” and features 27 days of racing and marquee events.
The celebration is designed to honour the track’s past while showcasing the present and future of drag racing in Saskatchewan. As Western Canada’s oldest and longest-operating drag strip, SIR’s longevity is a point of pride for racers, volunteers and fans alike, the organization says.
The Saskatchewan Drag Racing Association Inc., under the leadership of president Trevor Jacek, operates the facility and is committed to safe, legal drag racing across the province. SDRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a professional, community-driven motorsports venue.
Jacek said the Southwinds Showdown, set for Aug. 15, 2026, will be the biggest motorsports event in Saskatchewan’s history and will feature adrenaline-pumping races as part of a program marking six decades of drag racing in the province. A rain-date backup is scheduled for Aug. 16, 2026.
“It will be a tribute to our past, a showcase of today’s talent, and a look forward to the future. Block out Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in your calendar. You won’t want to be anywhere else. Details of the Southwinds Showdown will be revealed in the coming months, and we promise it will be worth the wait,” said Jacek.
Track manager Shawn “Skippy” Zezula has earned widespread recognition for preparing a racing surface renowned across Canada for its exceptional traction, consistent prep and hard-launching passes that routinely produce towering wheel stands.
The raceway has long been the heart of drag racing in the province, providing a safe and legal venue for high-performance motorsports. Over the decades, it has hosted generations of racers and families, many of whom credit the facility with shaping Saskatchewan’s drag racing culture. SIR’s mandate is a commitment to maintaining a professional, community-driven motorsports facility — a focus that has helped keep the track accessible while meeting the evolving standards of competitive drag racing.
Other 2026 highlights include the Quarter Drag & Drive from June 19 to 21, Heads Up Havoc on July 3 and 4, and the Fall Finale on Sept. 19 and 20. SIR will also host seven street-legal events throughout the season, along with points series racing for all ages and classes.
The street-legal events are a volunteer-run program that allows car and motorcycle owners to safely test and race their vehicles in a controlled environment, offering an essential alternative to racing on public roads. Participants must hold a valid driver’s license and pass a basic safety inspection. Street Legal remains one of Saskatchewan’s most accessible, community-driven motorsports programs and a popular entry point for new participants and spectators alike, the organization noted.
